5 Interesting Facts You Never Knew About Lucy The Elephant

Who doesn't have a soft spot for one of America's oldest roadside attractions? This special landmark just happens to call South Jersey her home sweet home.

Here are 5 fun facts about our beloved Lucy, who has called Margate home since 1881!

1

Lucy Was Built as a Gimmick

According to atlanticitynj.com, Lucy was first built in 1881 by a real estate developer, who was trying to attract potential buyers. Potential customers could see real estate parcels from the top of Lucy's staircase.

2

Lucy Was First Considered a Male

Not sure Lou The Elephant has the same ring as Lucy. According to Wikipedia, in the fist few years of her existence, Lucy was referred to as a male, because her head shape resembled the building as an Asian elephant, and its tusks were that of a male.

3

Lucy Was First Built for $25,000

According to lucytheelephant.org, the original cost for Lucy back in 1881 was $25,000. That figure quickly escalated to $38,000 before work was finished.

4

Lucy Makes the Movies

Did you know Lucy actually makes the opening credits of the 2015 movie 'Vacation', starring Ed Helms, Christina Applegate, and of course Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold. Lucy was also in the opening of the 1980 cult classic, 'Atlantic City'.

5

Bazaar the Elephant

According to Weird NJ, Lucy was originally named “Elephant Bazaar". I'm so glad they didn't stick with that name!